It was a mechanism which consisted of co-operating worm gears (endless screws) and gearwheels inside a box used for the elevation or the drawing of heavy load with the application of only minimal manpower.
The mechanism is described in detail by Heron. It, however, was invented by Archimedes who, with a similar mechanism launched a giant ship with the power of one hand. Extolling the endless possibilities with the continuous increase in the number of gears and worm gears, he said, “Give me a place to stand and I can move the Earth”.
According to Heron, for the reduction of the drawing force of a load by 1/200, the gearwheel ratio required is 1:5:5:5:8/5 (theoretically capable of achieving this purpose). While greater force reduction, by means of worm gear and crank, is necessary for the overriding of increased friction.
